The ongoing case shows discontent at the C-suite level but shouldn’t have lasting impacts
Woolworths Group’s chief growth officer is suing the supermarket giant for discrimination following claims of excessive overtime and bullying.
Miwah Van has filed a damages claim in the Federal Court against Woolworths Group and several current and former executives, alleging discrimination and other unlawful treatment following her diagnosis with breast cancer and during a major corporate “transformation” program.
She claimed she was working around 120 hours a week and was hospitalised five times due to this. Van was then overlooked for a more senior role.
This case highlights that extreme overtime does not guarantee promotion. In Van’s case, it certainly did not pay off.
Speaking with HRD, Denton’s employment and safety partner, Nick Linke, said he doesn’t believe this case will set a precedent for workplace overtime.
Van is in a senior executive position. With this responsibility comes a significantly larger pay package. This means overtime can be expected.
“The issue is often complicated, particularly for senior executives, because it is not always obvious when an employer specifically requires the employee to work the hours or if the hours are being worked because the employee wants a promotion, or wants to achieve bonus linked KPIs or simply because they feel an obligation to their colleagues or their employer to work more,” said Linke.
“This type of workplace behaviour should...
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